The Language(s) of Politics: Multilingual Policy-Making in the European Union

Multilingualism is an essential feature of numerous political contexts worldwide, and Nils Ringe's research on the European Union illustrates how it influences political interactions, deliberations, and negotiations. The use of foreign languages and translation services depoliticizes policy-making, reducing its political nature and potential for conflict. This is because communication is simple, utilitarian, neutralized, and involves commonly shared phrases and expressions, masking the national and political backgrounds, preferences, and priorities of EU actors. Policymakers also tend to disregard politically charged language due to the need for consistency across languages.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 288 pages
Publication date: 19 January 2022
Publisher: The University of Michigan Press

Multilingualism is a pervasive phenomenon in various political contexts worldwide, encompassing both multilingual states and international organizations. In the increasingly interconnected global landscape, where crucial political decisions are negotiated among politicians who may not share a common native language, multilingualism assumes heightened significance. Nils Ringe delves into this topic by examining the impact of politicians' reliance on shared foreign languages and translation services on politics and policy-making within the European Union (EU). Through in-depth interviews with nearly 100 policymakers and language service providers at the core institutions of the EU, coupled with quantitative and linguistic data, Ringe demonstrates that multilingualism is an inherent, ubiquitous, and consequential feature of EU politics. This research vividly illustrates how multilingualism influences political interactions, deliberations, and negotiations, shaping the dynamics of EU decision-making processes.

Contrary to prevailing assumptions, multilingualism does not necessarily exacerbate conflicts in EU politics. Instead, it depoliticizes policy-making, rendering it less politically charged and prone to conflict. This is because the use of foreign languages and reliance on translation facilitate communication that is straightforward, utilitarian, neutralized, and characterized by commonly shared phrases and expressions. This masks the national and political backgrounds, preferences, and priorities of EU actors, reducing the potential for disputes and disagreements. Moreover, policymakers often steer clear of politically charged language due to concerns about its accuracy and the need for consistency across languages. This constraint limits their ability to use vague or ambiguous language to gloss over disagreements, ensuring a more coherent and uniform communication approach within the EU.

In conclusion, multilingualism is a defining feature of EU politics, shaping the way policymakers interact, deliberate, and negotiate. While it may initially be perceived as a source of potential conflict, it ultimately depoliticizes policy-making, simplifying communication and reducing the likelihood of political disputes. By embracing multilingualism, the EU can foster a more inclusive and effective decision-making process that reflects the diverse perspectives and interests of its member states.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780472055135